Comment Request: State Workforce Program Certification for Pell Grants

FSA Partners Knowledge Center

Published March 25th, 2026

Detected March 26th, 2026

Summary

The Department of Education is requesting comments on a new information collection activity related to the certification of State workforce programs for Federal Pell Grant eligibility. This initiative stems from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which established new criteria for Pell Grant eligibility for academic programs.

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What changed

The Department of Education, through the FSA Partners Knowledge Center, has issued a notice requesting public comment on a new information collection activity. This activity is a response to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, which introduced new provisions for Federal Pell Grant eligibility for academic programs. The proposed information collection involves a new, optional form for States to certify institutions' eligibility as workforce programs, which is a requirement for students to receive Pell Grants under the new law.

This notice signifies a substantive change in the regulatory landscape for educational institutions seeking to offer Pell Grant-eligible programs. While the form is optional, it outlines the required elements for State certification. Compliance officers at educational institutions and relevant government agencies should review the Federal Register publication to understand the implications for program eligibility and reporting. The comment period deadline is crucial for providing feedback on this new collection activity.

What to do next

Review the Federal Register publication for details on the proposed information collection.
Submit comments on the proposed State workforce program certification form by the specified deadline.

Source document (simplified)

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Publication Date March 25, 2026 Posted Date March 20, 2026 Subject Comment Request: State Workforce Program Certification FR Type Notice

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) signed into law on July 4, 2025, made statutory changes to Federal Pell Grants that impact regulatory requirements in this information collection. Section 83002(b) of the OBBB established a new academic program in which eligible students could receive Pell Grants. Programs must meet several criteria to become eligible workforce programs, including certification from their State Governor. This is a request for a new information collection to develop a form for States to certify an institution's eligibility for eligible workforce programs. This would be an optional form which includes the required elements and is being offered for ease of requirements for State reported information.

To view this Federal Register publication, click here.